Thousands of demonstrators have attended a protest rally in Dublin against the Government’s controversial household charge.

While greater than 2,000 people packed into the city’s National Stadium, hundreds of others needed to stand outside.

Young and old travelled from all around the country to voice their opposition to the contentious austerity measure.

Union leaders and TDs gave speeches inside, with some emerging to talk to those that couldn’t get in.

In what was a carnival atmosphere on occasion, musicians entertained the group.

The Campaign Against Household and Water Taxes organised the development.

It is thought that only around 330,000 of the 1.6 million eligible to pay the tax have registered in advance of the deadline on the end of the month.

The Government hopes to elevate 160 million euro with the brand new 100 euro charge on households.